Jami Masjid at Jaunpur
Jami Masjid at Jaunpur
- Built by Husain Shah in A.D. 1470.
- Repeats many of the essential features of the Atala Masjid on a larger scale.
- The entire structure is raised on a plinth 16'-20' in height and approached by a steep but imposing flight of steps.
Courtyard
- The courtyard is a square of 210' side.
- Surrounded by cloisters on three sides and sanctuary on the west.
Cloisters
- Cloisters are two storeys high.
- They are two aisles in width as opposed to the more spacious 5 aisles in Atala Masjid.
- In the centre of each cloister is an entrance hall covered by a dome.
Sanctuary
- In the centre of the sanctuary facade is a pylon 85' high and 77' wide at the base.
- The arcaded wings of the side aisles are seen on both sides of the pylon with the roofs of the two halls which form the transepts above them.
- The interior consists of the nave of 38' side.
- The clerestory arcade is open to light the interior of the dome.
- On both sides of the nave are pillared side aisles with an upper storey. This has its openings filled in with stone jalis to provide a private area for the royal ladies.
- Beyond the side aisles on both sides are two great vaulted halls, each 50' long, 40' wide and 45' high.
- The interior of these halls have 3 mihrabs each on the western wall, opposite which are the archways which open into the courtyard.
- To achieve such a large columnless space, the builders first threw across the 40' space a framework of two transverse ribs at wide intervals in the middle and two wall ribs or 'formerets' at each end. On this permanent centering were laid the infilling or 'severies' of flat stones fitting on the backs of the ribs.
- To counteract the thrust of such a large vault, the side walls, from the haunches of the ribs to the foundation were made upto 10' thick.
- Such a large columnless space is a rare occurance in Indian architecture.